More than 100 people huddled under an overpass at Coolidge Park on Monday night, gathering to celebrate and mourn the life of Jasmine Pace.
Pace, 22, was reported missing in late November. Last week, a suspect was charged with homicide in connection with her case, and her remains were found shortly after.
People in hoods, boots and umbrellas slowly joined the group, passing around candles under the Market Street bridge out of the rain. At the front of the crowd, a long table draped in purple -- the color of domestic violence awareness -- held photos of Pace, flowers and tea lights, all lit by the glow of news cameras and passing headlights.
The crowd grew silent. One by one, family members and friends of Pace's took a microphone and told stories of her infectious smile and contagious laughter. Many wore purple T-shirts, printed with a picture of Pace and #justiceforJazzy.
"She forgived, she loved with her heart," Pace's grandmother told the crowd. "And I pray to God that justice is served for our Jazzy."
Pace was always singing, several who knew her said, and seemed to know every lyric. She was fiery, spunky, fierce and never afraid.
She was also caring, they said, always going out of her way to let loved ones know she was thinking of them. One friend said Pace -- "Jazzy" to many-- would bring her favorite food from Cookout to her on lunch breaks. Another recalled her showing up for dinner with a crate of wine in tow.
"She was always there for us, so I felt like this was the last thing I could do to be there for her," said Kimberly Hulgan, who used to work with Pace at an Italian restaurant.
One of Pace's cousins said that when her house burned, she called Jazzy. There were no injuries from the fire, she said, but Pace twisted her ankle from sprinting off her porch to get there as fast as she could.
"If you needed her, she came running," the cousin said.
Pace was reported missing Nov. 27. On Wednesday, Chattanooga police announced they had arrested suspect Jason Chen, 22, and charged him with criminal homicide in connection with Pace's case.
The following day, remains found off Suck Creek Road were identified as Pace's.
(READ MORE: Suspect arrested in disappearance of Chattanooga's Jasmine Pace, now ruled a homicide)
"I know that this thing has just been awful, and so evil done to her, but I will say that she would absolutely be damned if this is how she was remembered," said Bailey Putman, Pace's best friend. "She was one of the most fearless people I've ever met in my life."
Pace's story went nationwide, her sister Gabrielle Pace said Monday, and brought attention to other similar cases. Several people at Monday's vigil said they were there to support the family and to spread awareness about domestic violence.
"This has shown what our city comes together for," Claire Lacheney said.
An affidavit in the case says police searching Chen's apartment in North Chattanooga found blood stains in several areas, the Chattanooga Times Free Press previously reported.
Witnesses told police they'd heard loud noises and female screaming in the early morning hours of Nov. 23, the affidavit states. Investigators report seeing security footage of Chen buying cleaning supplies, bandages and paper towels at a nearby Walgreens, according to the affidavit.
Chen is now being held at Silverdale Detention Center without bond and is set to appear in Hamilton County General Sessions Court on Tuesday.
Pace's family on Monday asked the public not to attend the hearing but instead to show their support for Pace by sharing stories of her life.
"I'm hoping justice is served," said Elizabeth Brannon, a friend of Pace's family. "Though unfortunately, we can't bring her back."
What would justice look like, then?
"That the truth come out," Mary Martin said.
(READ MORE: Police searching for missing Chattanooga woman Jasmine Pace)
As friends and family recounted how bright Pace's light shone, the wind occasionally blew out a few of the candles clutched by the crowd. With the click of a lighter, or a flame borrowed from a neighbor, the flames all came back.
TO GET HELP
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or abuse, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-7233.
Contact Ellen Gerst at egerst@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6319. Follow her on Twitter @ellengerst.